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Galah (also known as Rose-breasted Cockatoo)
Semiplume and Contour body feathers with downy bases

Galah (also known as Rose-breasted Cockatoo)

Kingdom: Animalia, Phylum: Chordata, Class: Aves, Order: Psittaciformes, Family: Cacatuidae, Genus: Eolophus, Species: E. roseicapilla

Family: Cacatuidae (Cockatoos)

Shape
Symmetrical vane, rounded tips, oblong to oval overall outline with extensive plumulaceous bases.
Size
Approximately 1.5 to 3 inches long, consistent with small body feathers from the chest, flank, or back regions of a medium-sized cockatoo.
Rarity
Very Common
Learn more about Galah (also known as Rose-breasted Cockatoo) in the encyclopedia →

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Description

The Galah is one of Australia's most familiar and charismatic cockatoos, instantly recognizable by its striking combination of soft grey back and wings and vibrant rose-pink head, neck, and underparts, topped with a pale pinkish-white crest. Highly social and often seen in noisy flocks, they are remarkably adaptable birds that thrive alongside human habitation.

Colour & Pattern

Striking coloration characteristic of the Galah: soft grey upper surfaces blending into pale greenish-grey tips on some feathers, and a vibrant, brilliant rose-pink to bright red coloration on the lower portion of the breast feather. The base of all feathers is fluffy grey down.

Barb Structure

Mixed structure featuring a distinct pennaceous tip at the distal end and a very loose, fluffy, plumulaceous base with long, unhooked barbs. Prominent afterfeather present.

Texture & Surface

Soft, silky, and fluffy texture with a matte appearance. The tips have light rigidity while the basal portions are extremely soft and downy.

Key Features

Distinctive bicolored appearance on breast feathers (grey merging into brilliant rose-pink) and soft grey-green coloration on mantle/wing body feathers with fluffy downy bases.

Habitat

Open country, lightly timbered plains, agricultural lands, urban parks, and areas with access to water across mainland Australia.

Geographic Range

Endemic to Australia, widely distributed across almost the entire continent including regional Victoria, avoiding only the most arid deserts and dense tropical rainforests.

Ecological Role

Primary consumers feeding mainly on grass seeds, grains, and occasionally insects. They play a role in seed dispersal and provide nesting hollows utilized by other secondary cavity-nesting Australian wildlife.

Similar Species

Major Mitchell's Cockatoo (Lophochroa leadbeateri) and other Australian cockatoo or parrot species, though the specific combination of light grey and vivid rose-pink is diagnostic for the Galah.

Interesting Facts

Galahs are known for their spectacular aerial acrobatic displays, playful behavior, and lifelong monogamous pairing. The word 'galah' is also commonly used in Australian slang to mean a foolish or silly person.

Condition Notes

Good condition, fresh natural molt feathers showing intact barbs and vibrant, unfaded coloration with minimal wear.

Notes

Victoria, Australia Town